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The crime of innocence in the fiction of Toni Morrison

by: Otten, Terry

Publication date: 1989

Topics: African Americans in literature, Psychological fiction, American, Erbsünde Motiv, Women and literature, Sündenfall Motiv, Roman, Littérature américaine -- Thèmes, motifs, Innocence (théologie) -- Dans la littérature, Fiction in English American writers Morrison, Toni, Morrison, Toni -- Critique et interprétation, Morrison, Toni -- Criticism and interpretation, Morrison, Toni 1931-2019, Morrison, Toni, Morrison, Toni, (1931- ...) -- Critique et interprétation, Women and literature -- United States -- History -- 20th century, Innocence (Psychology) in literature, Psychological fiction, American -- History and criticism, United States

Publisher: Columbia : University of Missouri Press

Collection: inlibrary; printdisabled; marygrovecollege; internetarchivebooks; americana

Contributor: Internet Archive

Language: English

vii, 101 pages ; 21 cm

"In this ground-breaking study of Morrison's five novels, Terry Otten explores the mythic substructure of her fictions by tracing the pervasive motif of the biblical fall. The crime of innocence describes how Morrison recasts the fall from innocence as a necessary gesture of freedom, a felix culpa adapted to the demands of contemporary America. Employing biblical and theological elements, these novels suggest that no greater sin exists than innocence. In a fictional world where 'good' and 'evil' constantly shift, a fall is essential to an authentic life, however frightening the risks, however ironic the end."--Cover

Includes bibliographical references

The Bluest Eye -- Sula -- Song of Solomon -- Tar Baby -- Beloved